Back to the Future Part 3 succeeds and partly fails because of the same thing. Its similarity to the classic original. I know I know, I am possibly being a little unfair, and after the mess of part 2, I’m glad the franchise got its mojo back by pulling out part 1’s playbook. But did Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale have to follow it so closely? Scene after scene is almost exactly re-played with only a western twist to differentiate it. Couldn’t they have limited the nods to the other films and pushed forward with something new?

Anyway, minor complaints aside, part 3 is a great film, and like the 1985 original, it has a lot of heart. Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd and especially Thomas F. Wilson are back in fine form, and Mary Steenburgen as Clara is a very welcome addition to the cast. In fact, the best thing about part 3 is the sweet romance story between Doc Brown and Clara. It’s also a fun adventurous ride, and a nice conclusion to this great set of films.

Movie Prep:

The Back to the Future series requires you watch each in turn. Part 3 plays more like the first installment. A slower pace, and a simpler story. These are the films strengths though.

Best Format:

The old west sets look great, and there are actually very few visual or makeup effects to worry about. A HD showing is recommended.

Indeed, it is starting to get repetitive by the time Marty gets knocked out again, only to be woken up by Lea Thompson. It does feel like the original “light” and the final shot has always bugged me a tad. Still it has romance, and a great train sequence.